Teens And Technology Use

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The numbers are quite dramatic: nearly three-fourths of all teens have smartphones.

One in four say they are online almost constantly. So if you are a parent you should know that tech-related threats have increased. Many parents are expressing concerns.

In a recent University of Michigan poll of parents' childhood health concerns, internet safety ranked fourth, behind only obesity, bullying, and drug abuse. And sexting jumped from the 13th greatest concern the past year to number six. So what can you do?

Here are a couple of ideas:  have honest face to face conversations with your teens about your values and expectations for technology use.  Most important, do not be afraid to ask your kids where they go, what they do, and who they interact with online. Communication is crucial and you need to stress that they can confide in you if they feel scared or threatened by something they've seen or heard.